tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4789264769393918382014-10-06T20:57:21.518-07:00Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM)Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) coordinates effective disaster response and recovery efforts in support of local governments. Through planning, training and exercising we prepare ourselves, our citizens and response personnel to minimize the loss of lives and property.Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-25148054702759281542012-03-26T10:38:00.000-07:002012-03-26T10:38:35.036-07:00Listen, Act and Live!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">By Tod Pritchard</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Emergency Preparedness Coordinator</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><place w:st="on">Wisconsin</place> Emergency Management</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">April 19, 2012… 1:45pm. Sirens will wail. Radio and TV stations will interrupt programming. NOAA Weather Radios will go off. What’s going on? It is the annual statewide Tornado drill. And for the first time broadcasters across the state will be joining schools, business and families in the annual test to prepare for <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Wisconsin</place></state>’s severe storm season. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Wisconsin</place></state>’s Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 16-20. Through media interviews and public service announcements we’re trying to get a single, life-saving message out to everyone… <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen, Act and Live! </b>Listen to the tornado watches and warnings, act by seeking shelter when you hear a tornado may be on its way, doing both can help you live through the danger. A study done by the National Weather Service following the <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Joplin</city>, <state w:st="on">Missouri</state></place> tornado last year is truly an eye-opener. Many of the 161 lives lost could have been saved if people took action right way. Unfortunately many folks wasted time by trying to re-confirm the warnings and not seeking shelter immediately. </div>﻿ <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-DAppquRJY/T3Cn0RXvsqI/AAAAAAAAACc/GYkkyb6OGO4/s1600/Joplin+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N-DAppquRJY/T3Cn0RXvsqI/AAAAAAAAACc/GYkkyb6OGO4/s320/Joplin+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joplin, Missouri: EF-5 tornado kills 161 people</td></tr></tbody></table>﻿ <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">If you go to the ReadyWisconsin website (<span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/">http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/</a></span>)&nbsp; you will view tornado survival stories from <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place>. The details of their experiences may be different but their message is the same… get an emergency weather radio in your home, office and school. The early warning can save your life. Emergency radios immediately alert you of severe weather and tornadoes headed your way. Then, tell us your survival story. Just go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/readywisconsin">www.facebook.com/readywisconsin</a>. You may win an emergency weather radio for your tale. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">There are many myths about tornadoes which are false and could be life threatening. Here’s one I hear all the time: When traveling by car...seek shelter under an overpass as a<br />tornado approaches.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Fact:<br />Seeking shelter under an overpass is more dangerous than standing in an open field while a tornado is approaching. When a tornado passes over an overpass, winds are funneled under the bridge thereby increasing the velocity. The same phenomena can be experienced by standing between two buildings on a windy day. The best place to seek shelter while traveling is in a sturdy building. If no building is available, lie flat on the ground and cover your head or stay in your vehicle with seat belts fastened. Tornadoes do not follow terrain features exactly so chances are if the tornado comes directly toward your location...it will pass right over you. Be wary however...debris tends to collect in lows spots such as culverts and ditches...and flash flooding may be possible as well.<br />Here is another one: To minimize damage to your house...open all the windows prior to<br />a tornado striking it to equalize the pressure inside and prevent it from exploding...<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Fact:<br />While tornadoes do have incredible pressure changes associated within them...if a tornado strikes your house directly...the winds and flying debris alone will damage it severely anyway. All homes have the ability to equalize their pressure inside...since no house is 100 percent air-tight. By opening windows you allow no chance of the window<br />shielding you from debris outside which may cause bodily harm...and it wastes precious time you need to take cover.<br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">For more information on severe storms and tornado preparedness, please go to our website: <a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/"><span style="color: purple;">http://readywisconsin.wi.gov</span></a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>And remember, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Listen, Act and Live!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-8002738835124872442012-02-17T13:35:00.000-08:002012-02-17T13:35:55.064-08:00Governor's Conference is almost here!<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The 45<sup>th</sup> annual Governor’s Conference on Emergency Management and Homeland Security is just around the corner.&nbsp; This conference has some fantastic speakers with a variety that should reach out to many disciplines and various partner agencies.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B25TSnILeI8/Tz6hZfkPXiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/MpopHEc_msc/s1600/Governor's+Conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B25TSnILeI8/Tz6hZfkPXiI/AAAAAAAAACQ/MpopHEc_msc/s320/Governor's+Conference.jpg" width="248" yda="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">The Governor’s Conference Committee is comprised of state and local emergency management personnel.&nbsp; The group has worked diligently to ensure top-notch presenters that have important real world experiences such as the Joplin Tornado to discuss.&nbsp; Also, Jeff Skiles, the first officer of the US Airways flight who helped land his plane safely in the Hudson River will present at the conference. The committee also has some captivating break out sessions planned that will cover a variety of topics pertinent to responders and those involved with disaster preparedness, response and recovery.&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">This year we are particularly excited to have attendees register through the new Wisconsin Training Portal: <a href="https://www.trainingwisconsin.org/" title="https://www.trainingwisconsin.org/"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.trainingwisconsin.org/</span></a>&nbsp;&nbsp; So far the portal is working nicely and we are very happy.&nbsp; There have been few hiccups but those can be worked out by calling David Nunley at 608-242-3213.&nbsp; Registration is filling up fast and the conference is nearly half full!&nbsp; The block of rooms has been released to the public so it is strongly encouraged that those interested register asap to make sure they get in and also get a room.&nbsp; For those persons who do register and attend the conference they will also be receiving a very nice mystery gift!&nbsp; </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">It will be a great time of fellowship with other emergency managers and support agencies.&nbsp; It is the relationships built before a disaster that will make us more efficient when responding and recovering from a disaster!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">David Nunley, MPA</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Training Section Program Supervisor</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Wisconsin Emergency Management</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-24177957980635031972011-12-13T14:01:00.000-08:002011-12-14T11:00:04.054-08:00ReadyWisconsin Goes to Washington D.C.<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Tod Pritchard, Preparedness Coordinator for ReadyWisconsin</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfhKiGKaty0/TufK7TOgV2I/AAAAAAAAABw/bQBHpjM3J3I/s1600/Tod_in_DC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfhKiGKaty0/TufK7TOgV2I/AAAAAAAAABw/bQBHpjM3J3I/s320/Tod_in_DC.jpg" width="320" /></a>Wow, for a simple country boy from Wisconsin, going to Washington D.C. is like visiting another world.&nbsp; You’re struck first by the history that surrounds you.&nbsp; Our conference on emergency preparedness was held in the old Naval Hospital built in 1864.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You’re also struck by the people who work in D.C.&nbsp; So many people walk with an air of confidence and a sense of mission.&nbsp; Many working on Capitol Hill and other government agencies look so young.&nbsp; Well, I guess everyone looks young to me these days…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was invited to spend two days learning about emergency planning from really smart people who flew in from across the country.&nbsp; There are so many great ideas on how to talk to people about being ready for emergencies and disasters.&nbsp; One of the biggest takeaways for me was research that shows that children exposed to emergency planning in school are three times more likely to be ready and to get their families ready.&nbsp; The same is true for people exposed to preparedness ideas in their workplace training. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I shared information about our STEP (Student Tools for Emergency Planning) program.&nbsp; 5,800 fifth-grade students in 90 schools across Wisconsin will participate in STEP this school year.&nbsp; Folks at the conference were amazed by those numbers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So you might be wondering: how did I get a picture of myself in front of the U.S. Capitol?&nbsp; Well, it rained the entire time I was in D.C. and no one from the conference wanted to walk to the Capitol and stand in the rain to take a picture.&nbsp; So on my way out of town I asked my cab driver (Carlos) to swing by the Capitol.&nbsp; I told him he was in for a good tip if he would take my picture.&nbsp; He did a nice job, don’t you think? </span></div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-59108496243533500762011-11-01T13:26:00.000-07:002011-11-01T13:45:17.275-07:00Early November Full of Opportunities to Prepare for Emergencies<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hello from ReadyWisconsin!&nbsp; With daylight saving time, the first nationwide emergency alert system (EAS) test and Wisconsin’s Winter Awareness Week all around the corner, the time is right to make a quick post about all that we have going on.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Daylight Saving Time ends November 6th:</i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">As you set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 6, we&nbsp;encourage everyone&nbsp;to use the opportunity to&nbsp;do three things&nbsp;for your family:</span><br /><ul><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtW1VCLeH3w/TrBNtZXGf6I/AAAAAAAAABc/L41KE0wuQYo/s1600/Daylight-Savings-time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RtW1VCLeH3w/TrBNtZXGf6I/AAAAAAAAABc/L41KE0wuQYo/s200/Daylight-Savings-time.jpg" width="200" /></a></span><li><span style="font-size: small;">Test&nbsp;your smoke detectors and change the batteries if they are more than one year old.&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearly 2,700 people die and more than 15,000 are injured each year from fires in their homes.&nbsp; An estimated 16 million American homes have smoke detectors that don’t work…don’t let yours be one!</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.&nbsp; Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, with&nbsp;nearly 500 people&nbsp;killed and&nbsp;more than 20,000 people visiting the emergency room each year from overexposure to the gas.&nbsp; You should have a carbon monoxide&nbsp;detector on every level of your home, including the basement.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: small;">Build an emergency supply kit for your family with enough food, water and supplies to last you and your family for at least three days.&nbsp; For a list of kit ideas, visit the ReadyWisconsin website.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>&nbsp;&nbsp;</i></b></span></li></ul></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Nationwide EAS test:</i></b>&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The first ever nationwide EAS test will take place on Wednesday, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. Central&nbsp;Time.&nbsp; This event will mark the first time all broadcasters nationwide (including satellite and cable television providers) will send out a message at the same time.&nbsp; The alert on your TV screen or over your radio will look and sound much like the emergency tests that we are all familiar with.<b><i>&nbsp;</i></b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Winter Awareness Week – November 7-11, 2011:</i></b>&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGR56MWafhw/TrBUjfNkrhI/AAAAAAAAABk/yJwtvJZMRHc/s1600/winter_snow-12402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGR56MWafhw/TrBUjfNkrhI/AAAAAAAAABk/yJwtvJZMRHc/s320/winter_snow-12402.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">ReadyWisconsin will kick off its winter safety&nbsp;campaign on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Wisconsin’s Winter Awareness Week is to remind people to be prepared for winter conditions that could threaten their safety.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">The&nbsp;annual campaign is sponsored by ReadyWisconsin and the National Weather Service (NWS).&nbsp;&nbsp;Throughout the month of November, we will be promoting&nbsp;winter&nbsp;weather safety.&nbsp; ReadyWisconsin’s Tod Pritchard will be on TV and radio stations throughout Wisconsin providing&nbsp;tips on how to prepare for freezing temperatures and&nbsp;snow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be on the lookout for our statewide TV&nbsp;and radio public service announcement featuring NASCAR champion Matt Kenseth.&nbsp;&nbsp;Once again, Matt is helping us spread the word about the importance&nbsp;of having a winter survival kit in your vehicles.&nbsp; Also, head to the ReadyWisconsin website for cold weather tips and to sign up for a chance to win a&nbsp;winter survival kit&nbsp;in our trivia contest.&nbsp;&nbsp;Go to <a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/" target="_blank">readywisconsin.wi.gov</a> for further details.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To stay in touch with all of our activities and&nbsp;preparedness campaigns&nbsp;during this busy time, keep an eye on ReadyWisconsin on Facebook (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin</a>) and Twitter (<a href="http://www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin" target="_blank">www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin</a>).</span></div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-54960985388859497412011-10-27T14:25:00.000-07:002011-10-31T06:33:43.410-07:00Recent Nuclear Drill a True Team Effort<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Teri Engelhart, Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program Manager </i></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In early October, Wisconsin Emergency Management and Kewaunee and Manitowoc Counties successfully completed an evaluated nuclear power plant exercise. It seems that as soon as one exercise is done, it’s time to start working on the next one. Actually, it doesn’t just seem that way…it is that way. Having wrapped up the exercise the morning of October 4th, the Radiological Emergency Preparedness (REP) unit retreated to our office and continued working on the April 2012 </span><span style="font-size: small;">Point Beach Nuclear Plant</span><span style="font-size: small;"> and July 2012 </span><span style="font-size: small;">Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant</span><span style="font-size: small;"> exercises.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Radiological exercises require months of planning by an exercise design team and the participation of hundreds of people. Participants from the counties include emergency managers, first responders and other organizations such as agricultural extension, human services, school districts and public health. At the state level, departments such as Health Services; Natural Resources; Children and Families; and Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection participate and coordinate with their counterparts at the impacted counties. Volunteer organizations including the American Red Cross and ARES/RACES (licensed radio amateurs) participate in both the counties and the state. In addition, a large number of staff members from the nuclear power plant are involved as well.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVNOD8ZeM54/TqnHNQayDbI/AAAAAAAAABQ/hDVmILbLK8s/s1600/EOCDrillPic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVNOD8ZeM54/TqnHNQayDbI/AAAAAAAAABQ/hDVmILbLK8s/s320/EOCDrillPic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Representatives from a number of state and federal agencies<br />take part in the drill at the State Emergency Operations Center.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">These exercises are evaluated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Recently, federal agencies have increased their level of participation and are testing their own activation processes and procedures. Present in the State Emergency Operations Center during our October 4th exercise were representatives from FEMA and the National Regulatory Commission.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Agencies that could not be physically present in the state or county emergency operations centers (EOC) or at the plant are utilizing other methods to participate. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Consequence Management Home Team and a Federal Advisory Team participated by phone, much as they would in a real event. This federal participation gave our usual group of players a new perspective – a more realistic vision of how our EOC would operate during an actual nuclear emergency.&nbsp; As we develop future exercises, we plan to progressively build on these activities with the federal agencies.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While REP exercises take a long time to plan and a substantial time commitment from many organizations, they have an inherent value. Almost every component of a REP exercise can be applied to other hazard responses, such as severe weather events. Notification, communications and public information are all functions that would be necessary for any response, and we get plenty of practice during REP exercises. The relationships that are formed during these exercises can be extremely valuable when we are responding to a real event. I’d like to think that the REP program contributes to preparing our state and county agencies for a successful response to any disaster that we may have to face.</span></div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-10179368114902965552011-09-30T09:33:00.000-07:002011-10-10T07:58:06.609-07:00First Impressions from a New Regional Director<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Lisa Olson-McDonald, West Central Region Director</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KK_IHfojCI/TpMHurgFUTI/AAAAAAAAAAw/df9siVD7ZSo/s1600/Lisa_in_FieldT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1KK_IHfojCI/TpMHurgFUTI/AAAAAAAAAAw/df9siVD7ZSo/s320/Lisa_in_FieldT.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lisa Olson-McDonald (far right) joins Governor Scott Walker, </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar and WEM Administrator Brian Satula</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">in meeting with Clark County residents affected by a tornado </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">in late August.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">On August 1, I began the next chapter in my career by becoming the West Central Regional Director for Wisconsin Emergency Management.&nbsp; Having grown up and graduated from college in La Crosse, it has always been my goal to eventually return to the Coulee Region.&nbsp; I have worked in Madison for more than 13 years of my professional career, so it is nice to finally “come home.”&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">As what seems to be typical of emergenc</span><span style="font-size: small;">y management careers, three weeks into the job, a tornado struck Clark County on August 23.&nbsp; When the scene was secure, I was able to visit residents whose homes were destroyed.&nbsp; The stories that they told were extraordinary and it is amazing that none of these residents were seriously injured.&nbsp; Everyone spoke of how members of the community came to help within hours of the tornado.&nbsp; One of the most remarkable aspects of this job is to witness the generosity of people, both of those who work in the profession and of those who find themselves in the midst of a crisis.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">I’m finding out pretty quickly that this is a “jack of all trades” job.&nbsp; My major task is to help counties prepare for emergencies and to assist them when disaster strikes.&nbsp; Between disasters, I work with counties to make certain their disaster plans are in place with the State and I help them to work through the process of finding financial help to recoup expenses from emergency responses.&nbsp; Due to the proximity of the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant in Red Wing, Minnesota, I will work continue to work closely with Pierce County to support them in the unlikely event of a power plant disruption…given that I worked as a radiological emergency planner for four years prior to this regional director position, that part of the job should be familiar!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The West Central region consists of 13 counties:&nbsp; St. Croix; Dunn; Chippewa; Taylor; Clark; Jackson; Monroe; La Crosse; Trempealeau; Buffalo; Pepin; Pierce and Eau Claire; as well as one tribe, the Ho-Chunk Nation.&nbsp; I’ve had the opportunity to meet with each of the counties’ emergency management directors, and I know that we have a great team looking out for the residents of West Central Wisconsin.&nbsp; With the nature of what we do, I will never know from week to week who may need support from a devastating storm or man-caused event, so starting off with such a kind reception from the counties gives me the confidence of knowing that we will always do what it takes to support the people of the region in a time of need.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Being the regional director for a 13-county area is a serious responsibility, but one that will certainly be rewarding.&nbsp; Emergency management is an exciting field, and I look forward to the surprises and successes that this new position will provide. </span></div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02790014911469501475noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-82866752799417768512011-09-07T12:14:00.000-07:002011-09-30T09:38:57.603-07:00September Preparedness Kicks Off with a Ready Road Trip<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Tod Pritchard, Preparedness Coordinator for ReadyWisconsin </i></span><br /><br />Lights…Camera…Take Action!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Call it our “Ready road trip.”&nbsp; Barneveld, Stevens Point, Green Bay…all in one day…to videotape a very important television public service announcement (or "PSA") airing across the state this September. &nbsp;The message: get ready for emergencies.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">September is Preparedness Month here in Wisconsin and across the nation. &nbsp;At Wisconsin Emergency Management, our ReadyWisconsin preparedness program wanted to come up with a way to remember the victims of the 9/11 attacks (hard to believe this is the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of that terrible day). &nbsp;To honor them and the first responders who protect us every day, we thought it would be great to highlight first responders in a 30-second TV commercial urging everyone to prepare for future emergencies and disasters. &nbsp;We call this campaign: “A Time to Remember. &nbsp;A Time to Prepare.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So we started calling law enforcement and fire departments around Wisconsin to see who would help us out.&nbsp; The response was overwhelming. &nbsp;Dozens of police officers, sheriffs and firefighters said they would be glad to assist.&nbsp; We narrowed down the participants &nbsp;based on their availabilities and the availability of the camera crew that would have to dash across the state to collect the footage.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a87gAtGq7oU/Tl1HAUc0LnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/umUY_QRJcsM/s1600/BrandonWilhelm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a87gAtGq7oU/Tl1HAUc0LnI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/umUY_QRJcsM/s200/BrandonWilhelm.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Brandon Wilhelm, Barneveld Police</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I drove with a local video team to Barneveld to meet Officer Brandon Wilhelm. &nbsp;Beautiful sunshine, great for our video shoot. &nbsp;We set up the equipment on a bike trail near the Barneveld water tower. &nbsp;Peaceful and quiet…a perfect spot. &nbsp;Of course just as Officer Wilhelm arrived a huge tow truck pulled up on a nearby street to load up a disabled car. &nbsp;BEEP… BEEP…BEEP. &nbsp;His back-up alarm went off for the next ten minutes!&nbsp; Brandon was very patient and did a great job after the beeping stopped. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SwFlprSjAg/Tl1HGbNiIII/AAAAAAAAAqU/s33jBlhC-rc/s1600/StevensPoint1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SwFlprSjAg/Tl1HGbNiIII/AAAAAAAAAqU/s33jBlhC-rc/s200/StevensPoint1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The video crew lines up a shot <br />of the Stevens Point Fire team.</td></tr></tbody></table>Then it was on to Stevens Point where we met up with Interim Fire Chief Tracey Kujawa and members of her fire department. &nbsp;We met them down by the Wisconsin River. &nbsp;Again peaceful and perfect. &nbsp;Then the lawn crew at the nearby park showed up with mowers blazing. &nbsp;Oh no, not again! &nbsp;But when the mowers moved on, Kujawa and her team were perfect. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ajATGWdsFs/Tl1HLr1jCxI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5mH0RdtImMU/s1600/DavidSiegel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9ajATGWdsFs/Tl1HLr1jCxI/AAAAAAAAAqY/5mH0RdtImMU/s200/DavidSiegel.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Firefighter David Siegel <br />and the Brown County <br />Hazardous Materials Response Team</td></tr></tbody></table>Then on to Green Bay where the Brown County Hazardous Materials Response Team met us along the Fox River. &nbsp;No noise issues here, just some clouds that blocked our sunshine every once in a while. &nbsp;We found out that David Siegel from the Hazmat Team is a huge Detroit Red Wings fan. &nbsp;It was 80 degrees and the guy couldn’t get hockey off his mind. &nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">During a separate road trip we taped Brian Satula, our new Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator here in Madison. &nbsp;Brian did a great job despite having to run in and out of meetings long enough to shoot his part. &nbsp;Also stepping in front of the camera was Wisconsin Capitol Police Chief Charles Tubbs and Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls. &nbsp;We just made it through Sheriff Nehls's taping session before it started to rain. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECzFUzxT7UI/Tl1HP5IxgrI/AAAAAAAAAqc/OfRIZSSEmnI/s1600/BrianSatula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECzFUzxT7UI/Tl1HP5IxgrI/AAAAAAAAAqc/OfRIZSSEmnI/s200/BrianSatula.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">WEM Administrator Brian Satula</td></tr></tbody></table>The PSA really came together. &nbsp;I’m very thankful to all the men and women who took part in the making of this message. &nbsp;I hope these first responders will inspire all of us to take just a few minutes out of our busy lives to think about getting ready for disaster. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/preparedness/preparedness.asp">Click here</a> to check out the video and meet the participants.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/preparedness/preparedness.asp"></a><br /><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/preparedness/preparedness.asp"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Just follow these three steps can get you and your family ready for an emergency:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>GET A KIT</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_mpPVA8z4c/Tl1I3o0GnOI/AAAAAAAAAqk/pvlIA_YZZFU/s1600/CharlesTubbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O_mpPVA8z4c/Tl1I3o0GnOI/AAAAAAAAAqk/pvlIA_YZZFU/s200/CharlesTubbs.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Tubbs, <br />Wisconsin Capitol Police Chief</td></tr></tbody></table>Keep enough emergency supplies on hand for you and your family – water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, prescriptions, flashlight, and a battery-powered radio. If you own pets, remember to include their food and supplies. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><i><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp?maintab=0">Click here</a> for a complete emergency kit checklist </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/kit/GetKit.asp?maintab=0"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>MAKE A PLAN</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Discuss and agree on an emergency plan with your family.<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aK0DhtCIgQY/Tl1HYqjL_MI/AAAAAAAAAqg/wS5YZsLaJhY/s1600/ToddNehls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aK0DhtCIgQY/Tl1HYqjL_MI/AAAAAAAAAqg/wS5YZsLaJhY/s200/ToddNehls.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/Plan/Plan.asp?maintab=0">Click here</a> for a Family Emergency Plan</i>&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>BE INFORMED</b></div><div class="MsoNormal">Knowing the dangers and making good decisions can save your life. Here are just a few examples of where to get great information:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><i><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin">Click here</a> to sign up for ReadyWisconsin on Twitter</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/ReadyWisconsin"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin">Click here</a> to sign up for ReadyWisconsin on Facebook</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/Informed/Informed.asp?maintab=0">Click here</a> for more information on emergency radios</i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/Informed/Informed.asp?maintab=0"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>FREE EMERGENCY KITS</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNTAPKV-JJw/Tl1FrACpsPI/AAAAAAAAAqM/iwV0hx3kEUA/s1600/TodWithKit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pNTAPKV-JJw/Tl1FrACpsPI/AAAAAAAAAqM/iwV0hx3kEUA/s200/TodWithKit.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ReadyWisconsin's Tod Pritchard<br />shows off the program's <br />new emergency supply kits </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>As part of our campaign we’re giving away free emergency kits. Just play our ReadyWisconsin Trivia Challenge for a chance to win a kit.&nbsp; <a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/preparedness/Preparedness_trivia.asp">Click here</a> to visit the trivia page on the ReadyWisconsin website. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/preparedness/Preparedness_trivia.asp"><br /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Individuals and families are the most important members of the nation’s emergency management team. Being prepared can save precious time and save lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I speak to clubs and organizations all across Wisconsin. I’d be happy to talk to you about emergency planning. Just drop me an email: <a href="mailto:tod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov">tod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Honor the 9/11 victims by making sure you and your family are ready! </div>Wisconsin Emergency Managementnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-478926476939391838.post-70526966528559919372011-08-08T08:51:00.000-07:002011-12-21T12:12:12.535-08:00Working Toward a Better Prepared Wisconsin<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>- Brian Satula, Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator</i></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzvgG7diP94/TkAtMlLBpMI/AAAAAAAAAYg/UyX7xtL1qQI/s1600/SatulaPicforBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FzvgG7diP94/TkAtMlLBpMI/AAAAAAAAAYg/UyX7xtL1qQI/s320/SatulaPicforBlog.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brian (on left) speaks with LaCrosse </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fire Chief Gregg Cleveland during a </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">tour of the May 22nd tornado damage</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: small;">Since my appointment by Governor Scott Walker in May to Administrator for Wisconsin Emergency Management, I have experienced a very exciting and active few months.&nbsp; In my short tenure, I have met some great people and have learned a lot about Wisconsin Emergency Management and the emergency management community as a whole. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As luck would have it on my first day on the job, an EF2 tornado hit the city of LaCrosse. &nbsp;Governor Walker, Brigadier General Don Dunbar and I went to LaCrosse the next day to meet with local officials and tornado victims, and we received a first-hand look at some of the hardest hit areas of the city.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fortunately no one was killed or seriously injured, considering the tornado’s path hit both businesses and homes. &nbsp;We were also very fortunate that the tornado missed Gunderson Lutheran Hospital which was literally a block away from where the tornado path moved through the city.<br /><br />Since then we have dealt with several damaging storms, tornadoes and a deadly heat wave.&nbsp;&nbsp; These events place high importance on being prepared.&nbsp;&nbsp; We have a great ReadyWisconsin Campaign that encourages people to learn about being prepared for emergencies and the “how-to’s” of building an emergency kit.&nbsp; I encourage everyone to go to the ReadyWisconsin website (<a href="http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/" target="_blank">http://readywisconsin.wi.gov</a>) to learn more information about preparedness and follow us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/readywisconsin" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/readywisconsin" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">My belief is preparedness needs to go a step further.&nbsp; We need to continue to focus on what I refer to as Whole Community Preparedness.&nbsp;&nbsp; Because government cannot do it alone, we need everyone in the community – including businesses, faith-based organizations and non-profit groups – to take part in all phases of community disaster assistance and emergency management.&nbsp; These preparedness efforts will make our communities and our state stronger, and support the national goal of disaster resilience.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We have a lot of work to do at Wisconsin Emergency Management.&nbsp; As I recently told my staff - I am a planner and a builder - I am excited about this new challenge, to bring positive changes to emergency management and build disaster-resilient communities. If you have ideas about how we can make emergency management better, please let me know.&nbsp; I look forward to us working together to make Wisconsin better prepared.</div>WisconsinEmergencyManagementnoreply@blogger.com0